Professional Development
As a lifelong learner and educator, I believe it is crucial to participate in personal and professional development as much as possible. It is through being curious for new knowledge,up to-date on on new teaching strategies, and participating in different workshops and experiences that prepare us to do our jobs more effectively. It is important to recognize that just like ourselves, our students are forever changing, growing, and acquiring new interests. Thus why it is crucial to adapt to these changes and interests in order to capture our students in the moment while gaining their full participation and preparing them for the future. Below includes how I, as an educator, have made professional development a priority in my own teaching practices which include workshops, additional courses, volunteer experience, and resources from other professionals.
Workshops:
Math Skills Development: Lakehead University, 2015
The subject of math was by far the most challenging for me growing up. It was a subject that took patience, persistence, and additional support from others to achieve success. As many teachers can relate to this day, is that, in fact, many students still struggle with math, and where some students may have no difficulty in solving a problem instantly, they may experience difficulty in how to explain their thinking. By knowing this weakness about myself, and being determined to become a better educator, having the opportunity to participate in a math skills workshop has provided me with the knowledge and skill set to approach mathematics in the classroom in a more effective and success orientated way. Moreover, I have learned the importance of collaboration among students in problem solving, and stressing the idea that math can be solved in many different ways. I have learned the importance of making problems relatable to students' lives and give them a reason to want to participate in the challenge and enjoy the journey of working together while building their skills as critical thinkers.
This is an example of a fraction problem done by my grade 5 students. In this problem, they worked in groups of three to solve the problem of how to divide sandwiches evenly among different groups of students. Students were expected to demonstrate their knowledge by using pictures, words, and numbers. We then used the strategy called the "stay and stray" learned from the math workshop in which students walked around the classroom to see how different groups solved the problem. Students were also expected to comment on each others' work to say what they did effectively and how they could improve their work.
Math Skills Development Certificate | |
File Size: | 135 kb |
File Type: | jpeg |
Building Futures (Ministry of Education): Lakehead University, 2015
- Teaching Full-Day Kindergarten
- Working as an Occasional Teacher
- Promoting inclusive classrooms
- Teaching Full-Day Kindergarten
- Working as an Occasional Teacher
- Promoting inclusive classrooms
Leadership Program: Lakehead University, 2014
Additional Qualifications
Special Education Part 1: Lakehead University, 2015
With the wide range of learning styles and special needs evident in today's classrooms, it's imperative that teachers take the initiative to receive the proper training in order to have the skills to help students face face various challenges. Bachelors of Education is a great base for providing us with the skills to teach; however, there is little focus on helping children with special needs. This course has provided me with the basic knowledge of creating and implementing an IEP, understanding the IPRC process, and acquiring different tools and methods I can use to accommodate and modify the activities and environments in the classroom that are responsive to individual needs and strengths of each learner. As I have reflected on my own practices and collaborated with other teachers during this course, I have become more confident and competent in my ability to effectively guide students of various levels.
Intermediate English ABQ: Lakehead University, 2015
Taking a course in intermediate literacy was a great way to expand my comfort zones of grade levels. Throughout this course, I have learned the importance of building connections between subjects, and incorporating differentiated instruction. Below I have included a Novel study unit I put together that is rich on content and appropriate for the grade 9 level.
Novel Study Unity Plan | |
File Size: | 296 kb |
File Type: | pages |
cerficate_of_qualifications.pdf | |
File Size: | 258 kb |
File Type: |
Community Involvement/Volunteer
Teaching English as a Second Language, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Before anyone takes a step towards their dreams, it is fair to say that most often, people want to make sure that the dream is compatible to their own character traits and skill set. Participating in a volunteer mission was precisely this, an opportunity to confirm my passion for teaching. The opportunity of travelling abroad was a huge challenge for my natural character, yet, probably one of my cherished moments. This experience really challenged my abilities as an educator; I had to be flexible, plan strategically, and prepare for language barriers daily. I learned the importance of being patient, reflecting on my lessons, and changing plans that were not effective. I will value this experience for ever, it is an experience who has truly shaped me into the educator I am today.
Before anyone takes a step towards their dreams, it is fair to say that most often, people want to make sure that the dream is compatible to their own character traits and skill set. Participating in a volunteer mission was precisely this, an opportunity to confirm my passion for teaching. The opportunity of travelling abroad was a huge challenge for my natural character, yet, probably one of my cherished moments. This experience really challenged my abilities as an educator; I had to be flexible, plan strategically, and prepare for language barriers daily. I learned the importance of being patient, reflecting on my lessons, and changing plans that were not effective. I will value this experience for ever, it is an experience who has truly shaped me into the educator I am today.
Certification Of Participation, Vietnam | |
File Size: | 81 kb |
File Type: | jpeg |
Harriet Todd Elementary Public School, Orillia, ON
Volunteer: Teacher Assistant for Full-Day Kindergarten
Volunteer: Teacher Assistant for Full-Day Kindergarten
Big Brothers Big Sisters School Mentor: Orillia, ON
scan_5.jpeg | |
File Size: | 102 kb |
File Type: | jpeg |
Orillia's Corner Nursery School, Orillia, ON
Volunteer: Teacher Assistant for preschool children
Volunteer: Teacher Assistant for preschool children